June 21 2012

Anthony Gardner

Out-of-contract Crystal Palace defender ANTHONY GARDNER has joined Sheffield Wednesday.

The 31-year-old centre half enjoyed an excellent campaign for the Eagles before ankle and hamstring injuries ruled him out of the run-in.

But his one-year contract expired at the end of the season and the former Tottenham player opted to join Palace's league rivals instead.

GARDNER said: "This is a great move for me. I am really impressed with the ambition of the manager and the chairman and as everyone knows, Sheffield Wednesday has a huge fan base.

"The club has the ambition and the drive to succeed and that is what has attracted me to Hillsborough.

"I have played a lot of my career in the Premiership and that is where I want to return to. I have no intention of coming to a club that is just out to consolidate in the Championship, I want to succeed and that is why I have come to Sheffield Wednesday."

GARDNER initially joined Palace on loan from Hull City for the 2010/11 season then as a free agent, returned to Selhurst Park on a one-year deal.

He made 62 appearances and scored two goals - the most notable coming in the 1-0 Carling Cup semi-final first leg win over Cardiff last season. Then his own goal in Cardiff levelled the tie before the Bluebirds won on penalties.